Start a Business

For locations in unincorporated Calaveras County, contact the County’s Building Department to learn what permits and inspections you may need. You will also want to contact the Calaveras County Planning Department to ensure you can operate your business in accordance with the proper land use, entitlements, and zoning requirements.

For locations in Angels Camp, contact that City’s Planning and Development Department to learn about building permits and inspections.

Consult with an attorney or tax accountant to determine what type of legal structure is best for your business.

If you are considering becoming a corporation, (either stock or nonprofit), a limited liability company or a partnership (limited, or limited liability), you must file with the Secretary of State's Office at http://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities/forms/ .

You may also be required to get a sellers permit from the state of California http://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/services/#Overview

• For business incentives visit our webpage at http://econdev.calaverasgov.us/Incentives
• The U.S. Small Business Administration offers several loan and grant programs to assist small businesses.
• The Northeastern California Small Business Development Center provides access to capital and advice on how to prepare a loan application.

• Every business in California must submit a yearly Business Income Tax Statement to the Franchise Tax Board (FTB). For filing information, contact a private accountant or the FTB
• Businesses that sell tangible property in California that would ordinarily be subject to sales tax if sold at retail must apply for seller’s permit/resale numbers with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration
• All employers and self-employed individuals must pay Social Security taxes

• Get a Tax Identification Number – If you plan to employ anyone who is not a member of your immediate family, you must obtain an Employee Identification Number or Employer Tax ID from the Internal Revenue Service.
• You must register with the California State Employment Development Department within 15 days of hiring employees. 
• Obtain Workers’ Compensation information
• United States Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division 
• Americans with Disabilities Act
• State of California Labor Commissioner
• Discover opportunities for skill development and career advancement at Mother Lode Job Training. Visit https://www.mljt.org/ for personalized assistance.

For information on all types of Environmental Health Department permits, including:

• Food Facility Program
• Ground Water Protection
• Hazardous Materials / CUPA
• Institutions Program
• Land Use/Development
• Liquid Waste Haulers
• Organized Camps
• Public Swimming Pools & Spas
• Small Public Water Systems
• Solid Waste Reg. Oversight
• Underground Storage Tanks
• Vector (pest) Control
• Well Program

Some types of businesses must obtain a fire inspection permit. To find out if you need a permit, contact your local fire district. Their contact information can be found in the Fire Districts Section.

Most businesses in unincorporated Calaveras County, including home-based and internet-only companies, are required to get a business license. Information on the businesses required to obtain a business license is located HERE. There are 18 types of businesses that require additional special licenses. The Calaveras County Treasurer-Tax Collector administers the business license program and applications are available online at Calaveras County Business License Application.

Businesses located in Angels Camp can obtain a permit application at Angels Camp Business License, and should contact the city’s Business License office for more information.

If you plan to conduct business under a name other than your legal last name, you must file a fictitious business name with the Calaveras County Clerk-Recorder. This applies to businesses in both unincorporated areas and incorporated city of Angels Camp.

Research your chosen industry or field and assess your readiness to become an entrepreneur. Should you decide to move forward, you will need to develop a business plan for your proposed business. Resources for free advice on research, business planning, financing and more.

The Small Business Development Center has a number of tools and resources:

• http://sjdelta.resourcesforbusiness.info/success-in-california/topicpage2.cfm?cx=sjdelta&action=formation&subsection=busplan The Small Business Administration also has a lot of resources

• https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/write-your-business-plan

• Review the Calaveras County profile full of information and data https://properties.zoomprospector.com/california/community/Calaveras-County-California/06009/profile
• Visit the County’s Parcel Viewer for jurisdiction, land use and other information on a specific address or parcel.
• Select a potential location and research zoning regulations and existing infrastructure before signing a lease, buying a building or starting a home-based business. This step can help avoid unnecessary costs.
• For locations in the incorporated City of Angels Camp, contact doing business in Angels Camp.

Remember you can always contact the Economic & Community Development Department for free business assistance.